Micki Washburn

Dr. Micki Washburn serves as an Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, where she has been employed since September 2019. Previously, she worked as a Research Scientist at the University of Houston Center for Drug and Social Policy Research and coordinated the Virtual Reality Clinical Research Lab. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Social Work from the University of Houston (2015), an MA in Clinical Psychology from University of Houston Clear Lake (2001), and a BA in Psychology from Rice University (1997).

• PhD, Social Work, University of Houston, 2015
• MA, Clinical Psychology, University of Houston Clear Lake, 2001
• BA, Psychology, Rice University, 1997

Dr. Washburn's research program focuses on developing innovative, culturally-grounded interventions for individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, with particular emphasis on virtual reality (VR) technology applications. Her current flagship project involves developing and testing a modular virtual reality digital therapeutic customizable to individual clients for adjunctive treatment of substance use disorders. She also leads significant work on system improvements to better serve LGBTQ+ youth and families with child welfare involvement, drawing from her nearly 20 years of clinical experience working with populations experiencing mental health, substance abuse, and physical health concerns.

Analysis of Dr. Washburn's recent publication record reveals a strong concentration in three interconnected domains: mental health stigma across diverse cultural contexts (particularly among Latino communities and in international settings like Ghana and Mexico), innovative technology applications for behavioral health treatment (especially VR interventions), and systemic improvements for vulnerable populations including foster care alumni and LGBTQ+ youth. Her work consistently bridges clinical practice with policy implications, demonstrating how technological innovations can address health disparities in minoritized communities.

• Future Leaders Program, National Association of Deans and Directors in Social Work (NAAD), September 2025
• Advisor Excellence Award, University of Texas at Arlington, May 2025
• Positive Impact Award, Division of Student Success University of Texas at Arlington, December 2024
• Faculty Senate Travel award, University of Texas at Arlington, June 2024
• Interprofessional Education Faculty Fellow, UTA Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence, July 2022

Dr. Washburn has successfully secured over $28 million in research funding from diverse sources including NIH/NIDA, HRSA, NSF, SAMHSA, and private foundations. Her current major projects include the $23.9M HRSA-funded 'MAVRICS' program developing advanced culturally responsive integrated behavioral health care skills, and multiple NIDA-funded VR intervention studies. She mentors an extensive cohort of doctoral and master's students, with particular focus on LGBTQ+ youth issues, substance use treatment, and technology-enhanced clinical interventions. Her leadership extends to directing the Virtual Reality Clinical Research Lab and co-leading several interprofessional education initiatives.